Jefferson City man charged in early morning fire

Jefferson City man charged in early morning fire

Prosecutors today charged a Jefferson City man with second-degree arson and second-degree burglary, following an early morning fire at 1018 E. Capitol Ave.

Alan B. Snell, 59 - who used to live at the residence - was arrested after he "made incriminating statements to detectives in reference to the fire," Fire Department spokesman Jason Turner said.

That home was scheduled to be demolished this week, after also was the scene of a Nov. 19 fire that had been confined to a second-floor bedroom was damaged in a Nov. 19 fire that was attributed to children playing with matches.

Snell is being held in the Cole County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

Original story:

A person has been taken into custody in connection with a house fire that occurred early Monday morning in Jefferson City.

According to authorities, the 911 Center got a call of an explosion in 1018 E. Capitol Ave. shortly after 6 a.m.

When fire crews got on the scene, the rear of the structure was on fire and heavy smoke was coming from the front of the home.

Authorities said the house was boarded up and was scheduled to be torn down. How the fire started is still under investigation.

This is the same house where a fire occurred in November after children were playing with matches.